Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional childhood death and injury in Florida.

Everyone should know how to swim. Swimming builds confidence, provides a source of fun and healthy physical activity, and can teach children to protect themselves from accidental drowning. Strong swimming skills can also lead to work as a lifeguard or swim coach.

A long-time dream of the Lealman Community has been a public swimming pool. With many communities around the country closing their municipal pools for lack of funding and staffing, it is clear that a Lealman pool will be on our wish list for some time. St. Petersburg Foundation has looked to our Collective Impact partners to create a solution - if we can’t bring a pool to Lealman, let’s bring the children of Lealman to a pool. This project will create a dual track of deliverables that will provide the tools for children to have a safe relationship with water, introduce them to the joys of swimming and playing in the water, and teach them the skills to make water safety a career path.

In collaboration with our partners at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, children will be provided a phased swim education at a local YMCA facility. Children will be bussed from the Lealman Exchange to the facility for scheduled classes and move through the Y’s aquatics program at their learning pace. Lealman children will be able to attend these classes free of charge and will be provided swimsuits, towels, and gear bags by the St. Petersburg Foundation.

In addition to providing much-needed water safety skills to area youth, the St. Petersburg Foundation and Lealman Exchange will collaborate with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to provide lifeguard training to eligible participants. Providing lifeguard training in Lealman is a strategic initiative that fosters skills development and enhances economic mobility within the community. The program offers immediate employment opportunities in local pools, beaches, and recreational facilities by equipping residents with essential life-saving skills, first aid knowledge, and water safety expertise. This provides a reliable income and builds a foundation for future career growth in various fields such as emergency services, healthcare, and public safety. Moreover, the training instills a sense of responsibility and community service, encouraging further personal and professional development and thereby contributing to Lealman's overall economic upliftment and resilience.

Learn more about the Lealman Exchange

Learn more about St. Petersburg Foundation

Lealman Water Safety & Job Readiness Program